A nurse is performing external cardiac compression. How should the nurse exert downward vertical pressure?
ExplanationC. This provides the best leverage for depressing the sternum. Thus, the heart is adequately compressed, and blood is forced into the arteries. Grasping the fingers keeps them off the chest and concentrates the energy expended in the heel of the hand while minimizing the possibility of fracturing ribs.
A. Pressure spread over two hands may inadequately compress the heart and fracture the ribs.
B. Application of pressure by the fingers is less effective; this provides inadequate cardiac compression.
D. Both hands must be utilized; pressure on the lower portion of the sternum may fracture the xiphoid process, which can injure vital underlying organs.
